Interviewing Lessons from The Bachelorette

While reality television shows may at times seem the opposite of real life, there are several valuable career lessons in certain programs. Career lessons, really? Yes, while watching The Bachelorette I discovered a few lessons that are applicable to interviewing.

1. First Impressions Matter: Imagine if one of the potential suitors arrived to meet the Bachelorette wearing a frumpy suit, displaying bad posture, and frowning. The potential suitor would make a bad first impression and the Bachelorette would probably send him home. Similarly, whether you’re meeting an employer at a career fair, a networking event, or an interview, first impressions matter. First impressions are made in just a few seconds and are based on non-verbal cues, such as body language and physical appearance. Make sure that you are enthusiastic, confident, smiling, on time, and well-prepared to show the interviewer that you’re excited about their company and would be a great fit for the position.

2. Dress to Impress: This relates to the first impressions lesson. Clothing is a non-verbal cue that is a part of how people shape their first impression. Even if the company you are interviewing with has causal work environment, that doesn’t mean that you should dress casually for the interview. By wearing business professional or business casual clothing you are showing the interviewer that you take the interview seriously and think of it as a professional meeting. If you’re unsure about what to wear to an interview it’s best to wear conservative, business professional attire. Check out this link for more specific information about what to wear to an interview.

3. All Interactions Matter: When one of the potential suitors is very kind to the Bachelorette, but rude to the other potential suitors, the Bachelorette will probably take notice and question his integrity and people skills. In the same way, all the interactions you have during the interview process are important. Your interview starts the minute you walk into the office building. Make sure to be courteous to all the people you interact with in the office building, including the front desk staff, as interviewers will often times ask the front desk staff their opinion on each interviewee. If you’re having an interview over a meal, the interviewer notices how you interact with the wait staff. In addition, during a group interview, the interviewer takes note and often makes hiring decisions based on how you interacted with the other applicants because it reveals how well you work with others.

4. Ask Questions: The interview is just as much about you getting to know more about the organization and position, as it is about the interviewer trying to get to know you. Imagine if the Bachelorette was the only one asking questions to a potential suitor – the Bachelorette would probably think the person was not interested and send them home. While interviewing, it is crucial that you ask questions for several reasons. First, to show the interviewer that you’re specifically interested in their organization and have done research to find out more about the position, organization, culture, etc. Furthermore, asking questions gives you a chance to find out information about the company that you could not find on their website. Here are some sample questions:
a. What a typical day is like for a ____(title of position you’re interviewing for)?
b. What do you like best/least about the organization?
c. What skills are essential for a person in this position?

If you have specific questions about interviewing contact CALS Career Services and we can help guide you through the process.